New Zealanders Missing Out On Orgasms

Immediate release 06 May 2008

New Zealanders Missing Out On Orgasms

-Almost half of Kiwis don’t orgasm each time, and we orgasm less than Australians-

New Zealanders are missing out when it comes to having orgasms - only 52% manage to achieve one almost every time they have sex.

We are also behind our trans-Tasman neighbours in the orgasm department, with 58% of Australians stating they orgasm each time they have sex.

Results from the latest Durex Sexual Wellbeing Survey show that, globally, the Italians, Spanish, Mexicans and South Africans are the most likely to climax almost every time with 66% usually managing to hit the spot. Up to 65% of Brazilians say they usually orgasm each time they have sex.

However New Zealanders are more likely to feel the earth move more often than the Chinese or lovers from Hong Kong (both 24%) who are the least likely to achieve orgasm almost every time, with the Japanese (27%) not having much more success either.

These eye-watering statistics are the latest findings from the Durex Sexual Wellbeing Global Survey, which has been examining the sexual behaviour and attitudes of men and women across the globe.

They show that, far from being just the peak of sexual pleasure, the humble orgasm is also the key to feeling good about yourself. Quite simply, the more orgasms you have the better you feel in general.

The survey found that, globally, 58% of those who usually achieve orgasm were content with the emotional aspects of their sex life compared with 29% of those who rarely climax.

New Zealanders, however, are feeling some of the benefits of orgasm - 76% of Kiwis who frequently orgasm feel at ease with ourselves sexually, but only 49% of us are happy with our psychological health.

Contrast this with the rest of the world: 74% of French people who usually orgasm enjoy good psychological health, while nine in ten (88%) Spaniards feel at ease with themselves sexually.

And while 72% of New Zealand males almost always climax during sex, only 35% of women almost always achieve orgasm. Women are also more likely to reach orgasm through masturbation.

Those who regularly feel the earth move say their relationship with their other half is strong. Eight in 10 people (77%) who frequently orgasm feel close to their partner during sex – a figure that falls to 54% for those who have difficulty hitting the spot.

Durex New Zealand Manager, David Rae says: “The Durex Sexual Wellbeing Survey shows that having a fulfilling sex life contributes to our overall sense of wellbeing and general health, and that orgasms can play an important part in achieving this. We have also demonstrated the factors that are most likely to help us achieve this."

The survey found that there are several steps that can improve the number and intensity of orgasms:

* Massage can be effective – 72% of New Zealanders who achieve regular orgasms have embraced the power of sensual touch compared with 65% of those who don’t climax regularly.

* Sex toys such as vibrators greatly enhance the quality of orgasms for women - those using them are more likely to report being fully satisfied with the intensity of their orgasm.

* Taking your time can have an impact on the quality of orgasms. Those New Zealanders who are fully satisfied with the intensity of their orgasm spend on average 2.7 more minutes on foreplay than those who aren’t.

* Spend more time alone with our partners – even 48% of those who orgasm regularly would like more protected time with their loved one.

International sexual health expert, Dr Kevan Wylie, said: "While orgasms aren’t the be all and end all of sex, regularly achieving orgasms that we are happy with improves our emotional and overall wellbeing, as well as our bond with our partner. It can also help to reduce life’s stresses and, ideally, people should try to have them regularly.

The research was conducted among 26,000 people in 26 countries, who were questioned on key aspects of their sex lives: health, general wellbeing, education, beliefs, sex and relationships, attitudes to sex and social circumstances.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Durex Sexual Wellbeing Global Survey

* "The Big O" is the third in a series of reports generated by the Durex Sexual Wellbeing Global Survey, commissioned by Durex and carried out by Harris Interactive.

* The objective was to enable Durex, the leading authority on sexual wellbeing with more than 75 years’ experience of developing condoms, lubricants and devices, to remain at the forefront in helping people fulfil their sexual aspirations and enjoy better sex.

* The Durex Sexual Wellbeing Survey is conducted by an independent international research agency, Harris Interactive, on behalf of Durex International. The survey is conducted online and is unbranded.

Findings from published research into health and emotional benefits from orgasms:

* The mortality risk for men was 50% lower among men who had frequent orgasms (2 or more/week) than among men who had less than one/month (Davey Smith et al, 1997).

* Other research has shown a positive correlation between orgasm and reduced heart disease and cancer (Feldman et al, 1998; Abramov, 1976; Murrell, 1995; Petridou et al, 2000).

* Orgasm relieves tension as oxytocin stimulates feelings of warmth and relaxation (Weeks, 2002).

* Orgasm causes a surge in oxytocin and endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and depression fighters, that may have a sedative effect (Odent, 1999) and reduce stress (Charnetski and Brennan, 2001).

* In a study of 83 women who suffered migraine, Evans and Couch (2001) reported that orgasm resulted in at least some relief for > 50% of the women.

* Frequent ejaculation may help protect men against prostate cancer (Giles et al, 2003)

* Oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of intimacy, jumps to five times its normal level during climax (Seeber and Gorell, 2001)

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